Herbert Kameon-Designed Malibu Home Hits Market for the First Time

Built in 1958, the Devault Residence in Southern California is asking $3.2 million

The rustic-modern house in Malibu, California, came onto the market for $3.195 million.

Cameron Carothers

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The rustic-modern house in Malibu, California, came onto the market for $3.195 million.

Cameron Carothers

1 of 9

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The rustic-modern house in Malibu, California, came onto the market for $3.195 million.

1 of 9

Cameron Carothers

A hillside hideout complete with ocean and island views in Malibu, California, has came onto the market for the first time since it was built in 1958, with a price tag of $3.195 million.

The 1,992-square-foot modern house has been within the Devault family for six decades, according to the listing on architectureforsale.com last week.

The home, known as the DeVault Residence, was the first residential commission for late architect Herbert Kameon, who was behind The Standard hotel and the earliest high-rises in the Sunset Strip neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Kameon’s creation is "best measured by the long tenure of the DeVault family, and the home’s enduring intimate connection with the land and the sea," said listing agent Crosby Doe.

A rustic, private lane leads to the 0.8-acre property, landscaped with giant boulders, citrus groves, a koi pond, a pool and a badminton court. The residence, sheathed in wide board and batten redwood, has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, an open-plan living area with window seatings and a large patio connected to it to enjoy ocean views and offshore breeze.

Fred DeVault, one of the four siblings who inherited the home from their parents, the original owners, said that the most unique element of the house is its location.

"It gets a perfect beach connection while perched up on the hillside," he said. "It isn’t a beachfront house, but close enough to smell and hear the ocean waves."

His working parents, who had lived in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, bought the lot in 1957, fulfilling their search for a "bigger and more affordable home" in anticipation for family expansion, Mr. Devault said.

The house, of course, has some distinguished architecture, Mr. Devault said. The design of the house is known as the organic school of architecture, marrying design with the site and its natural surroundings.

Growing up in the house, Mr. Devault and his family took full advantage of the natural environment. "I like hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, while my brother likes surfing and catching lobsters." They often watched deer, elm and hawks pass by.

It’s hard to part ways with the home, but the siblings decided to sell it to split the proceeds, Mr. DeVault said.

The neighborhood, Big Rock, is located at the eastern end of Malibu and high above the Pacific Coast Highway. Residents can enjoy views of the Santa Monica Bay, the Palos Verdes Peninsula and city lights at night.

DISCLAIMER: The currency conversion is provided for illustration purposes only. It is meant only as an approximation based on the latest information available and should not be relied upon for any other purposes. We are not responsible for any loss that you may incur as a result of relying on these currency conversions. All property prices are as stated by the listing agent.

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